Senator Malone Announces $100,000 State Grant for Goodwill Keystone’s WOW Financial Empowerment Program in Lancaster

July 31, 2026

Senator James Andrew Malone announces a $100,000 state grant in support of Goodwill Keystone's WOW program.

HARRISBURG, PA - State Senator James Andrew Malone today announced a $100,000 state grant for Goodwill Keystone's WOW (Wisdom Opportunity Wealth) program at its store and donation center in Elizabethtown. The funding will further the program's community partnerships and trainings, which are designed to help individuals build confidence, develop skills, and achieve financial stability.

"I'm proud to have helped secure funding for a program that empowers people to achieve financial health by teaching them how to budget and manage their resources," said Senator Malone. "The reality is, not everyone comes from families or backgrounds where they are taught how to manage money. Goodwill's WOW program meets people where they are through partnerships with organizations, like the Lancaster County Prison, to end cycles of poverty and give people a hand up into a better future."

During the grant announcement, Senator Malone heard from Goodwill Keystone leadership, WOW program staff, and program participants about WOW's impact on Lancaster County.

Griffin shares remarks during the grant announcement. "Senator Malone's investment in Goodwill Keystone's Wisdom Opportunity Wealth (WOW) program reflects a strong commitment to helping Lancaster County residents achieve financial wellness," said Goodwill Keystone President and CEO Edward Lada, Jr. "His support keeps these impactful services free and accessible to those who need them most. Together, we are empowering individuals and families to build financial confidence, expand economic opportunity, and strengthen our community. The future of WOW is bright, and Goodwill Keystone looks forward to continuing this important work across Lancaster County." Senator James Andrew Malone with Goodwill Keystone President and CEO Edward Lada, Jr.

WOW is a 6-10 week program intentionally designed to be flexible and accessible to meet the needs of local individuals. Initially designed to focus on the needs of women, the program's popularity led to the expansion of services to all adults through partnerships with local organizations, including Community Action Partnership of Lancaster (CAP), HACC, Lancaster County Prison, local senior centers, and more.

Through these partnerships, Goodwill Keystone has reached more than 500 individuals across Lancaster County with financial education, workforce development, entrepreneurship education, one-on-one coaching, and financial wellness programming.

Individuals interested in learning more or getting involved with the program can contact WOW's Program Director, Taylor Gilbert, at [email protected].